“Yes.It will give her some context and help her catalogue the expenses and income better especially if they’re using their own type of shorthand on the books.”
“I see.”
“Is there anything you want me to look out for?”I was going to keep my eyes and ears open because my gut told me this wasn’t something just slipping through the cracks.Not that I expected Rustic to be so overt, but it was better to be prepared.
“I’d just look at anything and everything they do.We could come right out and ask them, but that might spook them.”John steepled his fingers.“We did a deep dive on their operation; nothing raised a red flag.But I’d appreciate you learning all you can, and we’ll go from there.”
John gave me a lot of credit to know what to look for.I’d have another quick meeting with Josh, Dean, and add Marcus because I wouldn’t let John or FI down.“Sounds good.They know my name since all the invoices come though my department.I’ll tell them Valerie is a new employee.”
“Keep me abreast of the situation.”
“I will.Thanks, John.”I stood and walked out of his office.At least I’d looped our president in on what worried me.I hoped it was just honest mistakes, but I had a gut feeling it was something more.How far did this go, and was it accidental or deliberate?I’d be careful while we were there.
Chapter Fourteen
Valerie
Lucas wasn’t in the office when I returned from lunch.Cassie and Emma had opened my eyes to a few things, and this gave me more time to think.I knew Lucas was a dominant man, and it didn’t bother me at all.What did bother me was that darn panic attack.Putting aside for the moment that he made his declaration under very awkward circumstances, I was finally beginning to understand that, no matter what he said, I still had reservations about his sincerity.I believed that he believed what he was saying right then, but had hereally, trulychanged.Could I bring myself to trust him again?Was I strong enough to try again?
I had trust issues, and it all had to do with my family.The way my parents favored my sister, basically ignoring me.I’d learned from early childhood on not to trust them or anyone else for that matter.This was especially true when it came to my sister.Bringing any guy I happened to be dating home was an ordeal.My sister flirted with them and did everything she could to undermine any relationship.The thought of bringing Lucas home to meet my family?Definitely a panic attack just waiting to happen.
But I was not a teenager anymore.Nor was I as vulnerable as I’d been five years ago.
What the heck was wrong with me?Lucas apologized for walking away, and I accepted it.
Time for me to put my trust issues with my family aside.It was also time to truly accept Lucas’ apology, open my heart and mind to the possibility that he truly had changed, and concentrate on a possible relationship with him.Was the benefit worth the risk?
Who was I kidding?I fanned my face with my hand.He had always been a very physical lover, always attentive to my needs and my pleasure.Yes, it was time to stop hiding in the past and step into the sunlight.
Glancing at the clock, I saw I’d lost half an hour to my musing.It was time to get some work done, time to look through some of FI’s financials.I would review the transactions with the furniture company, Rustic Delights to see what, if anything, matched Rustic’s books.
Shit.I didn’t have access to those files; I’d been concentrating on Rustic’s books.I never thought of asking Lucas about giving me access to FI’s books.I should have thought of it earlier.And I probably would have if I hadn’t been concentrating on Lucas, our relationship, and my insecurities so much.
The subject of my thoughts walked into the office.“Did you have a good lunch?”
“I did.I see you took yours to-go.”I motioned to the bag in his hand.
“Yeah.I talked with Miles, and he’s emailed me another NDA for you to sign.”
That’s right.The tour.Liability issues.Made sense.
“Why don’t you come over here so we can talk?”
Talk?Had I inadvertently done something wrong?“What’s up?”
“A couple of things.”He unwrapped his sandwich and took a big bite.I watched in fascination as he chewed and swallowed.Why was the action so sensual?
You’re at work; behave yourself.
“Sorry, I’m starving.Anyway, I talked with Josh and Dean and our president.”He took another bite.
“Oh?What’s going on?”I took a seat in front of his desk.Something must have happened for him to go to the president.
“Apparently, there has been more than an issue or two with the equipment we rent.”
“Oh?”I leaned forward.This could be one of the reasons the books for Rustic were off.If they were sending out shoddy equipment.Or could it be another supplier to Rustic?Everything was on the table until I could figure out what was going on.
“Josh and Dean gave me more insight.”
